An Introduction to EDT

Learn more about mandatory Essential Driver Training (EDT) for learner drivers, why it’s necessary and what the benefits are.

Important notice for learner drivers

EDT is not required if your first learner permit was issued before 4 April 2011. All other learner drivers must complete EDT before taking their driving test.

What is Essential Driver Training?

Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a mandatory training course that teaches fundamental driving skills to learner car drivers. It is part of the RSA’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme and is intended to improve road safety.

EDT is only part of the learning process, you will need lots of practice and may need more lesson to become a safe driver.

Why do I need EDT?

Studies show that young drivers and inexperienced drivers are more likely to die or be seriously injured in collisions, and EDT is one of several measures introduced by the RSA to help improve critical driving knowledge, skills and behaviours of new drivers.

If the issue date of your first B category (Car) learner permit is on or after 4 April 2011, in order to be able to sit your full driving test, you must first complete all EDT lessons.

If you are not required to complete EDT, you may still choose to take an EDT course, as it can help increase your chances of passing the driving test and will help make you a better safer driver.

What does EDT involve?

EDT is a course of 12 one-hour lessons. These lessons are designed to cover certain critical driving skills and improve your practical driving skills.

As you complete each lesson, your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) will record your progress in a specially issued logbook.

You should also have a Sponsor, an experienced driver (many learner drivers choose a family member) who will supervise your driving practice outside of lessons, and will also track your progress in your logbook.

After you finish your EDT course, you may still need additional lessons with an ADI to improve your driving skills. Additionally, you should practice with your Sponsor as much as possible to get comfortable behind the wheel.

What does EDT cost?

There is no set charge for EDT lessons and each ADI sets their own fees. The RSA recommends that you ring several ADI's to enquire about the fees and also to see if the if the ADI is right for you. Recommendations from family and friends may also prove useful in helping you to make your choice. The EDT logbook has a cover price of €4 which may be payable to your ADI for either an original or replacement logbook. IMPORTANT NOTE - many learners avoid paying for driving lessons in advance to avoid any problems such as changing driving instructors or being unable to book lessons to suit their own availability.

Find an ADI

EDT can only be delivered by an RSA-approved instructor, an ADI. To find an available ADI, look on the ADI register. You may switch ADIs during the EDT course, but remember to get your current ADI to sign off on your completed lessons before you make any changes.

Benefits of EDT

Completing your essential driver training course will help you to:

understand what it means to be a better safer driver.

practice your driving skills in a structured way that is focussed on your own learning needs.